San Antonio has solidified its position as a crucial hub for aerospace innovation, driven by strategic investments and a robust infrastructure supporting both commercial aviation and defense sectors. The city’s thriving aerospace ecosystem is bolstered by initiatives like Port San Antonio, which serves as a technology campus integrating aerospace, cybersecurity and manufacturing sectors. Further support comes from institutions such as the Southwest Research Institute, recognized for its aerospace and defense research. Additionally, educational programs at the University of Texas at San Antonio play a vital role in cultivating skilled talent for this rapidly growing industry.
From aerial data collection to manufacturing to maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, systems, these are the aerospace companies in San Antonio to watch.
Aerospace Companies in San Antonio
- Boeing
- StandardAero
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Elbit Systems of America
- San Antonio Aerospace
- Knight Aerospace
- Applied Research Solutions
- Firmatek
- AVA Propulsion
- DroneTech UAV
Top Aerospace Companies in San Antonio
Knight Aerospace designs and manufactures aircraft interiors and rapid-deployment medical transport modules at its Port San Antonio facility. Its engineering teams develop roll-on/roll-off units that enhance evacuation capabilities and operational flexibility for humanitarian and military missions.
Firmatek leverages LiDAR and drone-based aerial data collection for 3D mapping and volumetric analysis. The company’s services work to enable inventory reporting and environmental monitoring, in order to drive efficiency for construction, mining and agricultural operations. Firmatek is headquartered in San Antonio.
General Dynamics Mission Systems delivers advanced communication and security solutions integral to aerospace operations. In its San Antonio office, the company primarily supports defense and intelligence communities, specializing in cybersecurity, satellite communications and integrated aerospace systems. The company hires LINUX systems administrators, web applications developers and systems engineers to support its operations in San Antonio.
AVA Propulsion designs and builds hybrid and electric propulsion systems for uncrewed aerial vehicles, or UAVs. Its San Antonio team develops large multirotor platforms capable of transporting payloads of over 200 pounds, primarily serving commercial, defense and agricultural sectors. Its in-house hardware and software teams design propulsion systems and control software that aim to lower operational costs for commercial and defense applications.
StandardAero operates an expansive aircraft engine MRO facility at Port San Antonio spanning over 600,000 square feet. It provides critical support services for commercial, military and business aviation sectors, emphasizing reliability and technical excellence. The San Antonio facility specializes in engine components and overhaul solutions in an effort to position itself as a key partner for major aviation companies.
DroneTech UAV researches and manufactures fixed-wing uncrewed aerial systems focused on long-range operations and payload versatility. With over a decade of R&D expertise, the company offers flight control automation and customizable UAV solutions for surveying, environmental assessments and precision agriculture.
Applied Research Solutions provides technology and engineering services focused on defense and intelligence applications. Some of its work focuses on cyber systems, data analytics and aerospace system integration. ARS aims to provide subject-matter experts in cyber operations, data analytics and aerospace systems integration under cleared contracts with the U.S. government.
Boeing maintains one of the world’s largest military MRO facilities in San Antonio, where it serves both commercial airlines and defense customers. The site, which became the U.S. government’s Executive Fleet maintenance center in 2014, performs upgrades, overhauls and specialized refurbishments for high-profile aircraft.
San Antonio Aerospace, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is focused on comprehensive aircraft MRO services. It supports major airlines by providing scheduled maintenance, structural repairs and aircraft modifications. Its facility at Port San Antonio serves as a strategic hub for aviation services, accommodating wide-body aircraft and cargo carriers.
Elbit Systems of America, which acquired the San Antonio-based M7 Aerospace in 2010, operates the M7 subsidiary near San Antonio International Airport. M7 Aerospace provides aerostructures manufacturing, logistics support and government-focused MRO services for military and commercial aircraft.
